Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, Grandson of Robert De Niro, Passes Away at 19

 Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, Grandson of Robert De Niro, Passes Away at 19

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the 19-year-old grandson of renowned actor Robert De Niro, has sadly passed away. The news of his untimely death was announced by his mother, Drena De Niro, through an emotional Instagram post on Monday.

Expressing her grief, Drena wrote, "I don't know how to live without you, but I'll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama. You were so deeply loved and appreciated, and I wish that love alone could have saved you."

Leandro's father, artist Carlos Mare, posted black squares on his Instagram accounts, choosing not to add any captions during this difficult time.

Robert De Niro also shared his condolences, stating, "I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."

Additional details surrounding Leandro's passing were not immediately available. However, De Niro's publicist released a statement on behalf of Drena De Niro later that day.

"It is with immeasurable shock and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved son Leo. We thank you for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we are given privacy at this time to process this inconsolable grief," Drena expressed in the statement.

While the New York City police did not confirm details from a TMZ report suggesting that Leandro was found in a New York apartment, they did acknowledge that an 18-year-old male was discovered unconscious and unresponsive at a Wall Street address, identified as the Cipriani Club Residences. Leandro, who had recently celebrated his 19th birthday, according to news outlets, was pronounced deceased by EMS at the scene. The exact cause of his death will be determined by the medical examiner's office.

Drena De Niro, aged 51, is the eldest of Robert De Niro's seven children (the 79-year-old actor welcomed a baby earlier this year). Robert adopted Drena when he married her mother, Diahnne Abbott, his first wife. Like her father, Drena is also an actor, with an extensive list of credits including roles in "Joy," "The Intern," and "Mozart in the Jungle."

Leandro had also pursued acting, appearing alongside his mother in three projects: "The Collection" (2005), "Cabaret Maxime" (2018), and "A Star Is Born" (2018), where they portrayed a mother and son, respectively, to Dave Chappelle's character.

The loss of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez is a tragedy that has left the De Niro family and their supporters devastated. During this challenging time, they appreciate the love and support received and request privacy to mourn and cope with their profound loss.